January 29, 2010

This is what you would feel when you would see the work of Emma Van Leest , paper cutting artist from Melbourne, Australia. I have just blogged ( my earlier post ) about Indian paper cutting art and how our paper cutting art is devoted to the worship of Lord Krishna . But, when I saw the work of Emma , I simply fell in love with her work , close eye for details, unbelievable imagination , ingenious talent, fineness and delicacy of her paper art . On completing her degree from RMIT University , Emma left for Indonesia to learn Balinese and Javanese folk art. She also studied the ancient art of shadow puppetry there . In 2008 , she took up a residency at the Sanskriti Kendra in New Delhi, India . Indian comic books, Mughal miniature, carving , embroideries, religious relics, dollhouses, Chinese illustrations, Operas, abstract painters have been her source of Inspiration. She has started using more colors in her work after her stay in India.

Her work has been featured in various exhibitions and famous magazines. Though, all her artworks are magnificent but “before the first rain” and “Sanskriti series” is close to my heart as it is inspired by the traditional Indian culture, moghul art , daily life in India and Indian comics. The title, Before the first rain, is about an Indian summer and... anticipation that arises in the heart when we are awaiting the first rains………………

From her collection “ Before the first rain”

“All matters that exist” “Necessities“ Incurred”

“A likeness”“We are all returning”

Sanskriti Series – I Sanskriti Series – II Sanskriti Series - III

Sanskriti work is done in the boxes . Do you believe me now when I said Emma’s work is breathtaking – unbelievable ? I can’t even cut a straight line and she is creating wonders, fantasy , a dream world . She did not miss a thing. Absolutely awe-inspiring!!! . I am sure , the next thing you are going to do is to see her more work, unique cutting style makes her work well worth checking out..

January 18, 2010

In India, paper cutting art is popularly known as Sanjhi . Sanjhi is an ancient art originated from a traditional customs of Vaishnav sect of Hindu’s prevailing at that time (15th –16th century). It is a traditional art of cutting stencils on paper used to make rangolis in the worship of Lord Krishna in Braj Bhoomi ( Vrindavan, Mathura) in Uttar Pradesh . The predominant focus of the art has always been “Leelas of Lord Krishna “ in its various forms. The delicacy , intricate craftsmanship of the art exhibits the artist’s supreme devotion and infinite love for the lord. It is believed that Radha and her friends (Gopis) used to decorate the aangans ( front yards ) of their houses with Rangoli’s to glorify their love towards Krishna . It seems that Sanjhi got its name from the word “Sanjh – ( Twill hour in english) when these colorful rangolis made from paper cut stencils were unveiled in the evening prayers offered to Lord Krishna in the temples . Every morning new depiction from Lord Krishna’s life was made and unveiled in the evening .

Even today, the Sanjhi art is practiced in some of the temples in Vrindavan and Mathura . One of the famous temple is “Radhavallabh Temple Vrindavan” . The traditional Sanjhi art involved sketching of the theme and then cutting. These are mainly cut with very fine and slightly curved scissors. Once the stenciled pattern is made , it can be filled with colorful stones, flowers , piece of mirror or dry powder color .

The most popular sanjhi is filling with dry colors . The filling of colors in Sanjhi and lifting of the same has to be meticulously and impeccably done as the process is as critical as cutting of the Sanjhi . These intricate stencils are used in many ways - Rangoli on the mud platform , The submerged Sanjhi – i.e. rangoli made is viewed under the water , Rangoli floating on the water , etc.

Would it not be interesting to meet one of the artist who is part of making amazing piece of art? Vijay Kumar Soni , who has won the State Award for Craft Excellence in paper cutting/ rangoli making is a Sanjhi cutter from Mathura belongs to the family whose seven generations have been engaged in this paper cutting art , making sanjhis for temples and houses as an offering to lord. Vijay works on his designs with his family in the morning and around /after 4 pm , he leaves for an exclusive location near the Mathuranath Mandir where his forefathers used to cut Sanjhis . He uses papers, Copper sheets and plastic sheets depending on the need of his buyers for Sanjhi stencils. Once tradition , then passion and now also the profession for him, He feels paper cutting art has come a long way. As per him , this paper cutting art has moved from temple craft to decoration craft now , Apart from making Sanjhi for temples , he makes wedding cards, Bindi, serving trays , etc using this art . His passion remains the Sanjhi devoted to God as “thakur ji’s seva” . As he said “ Sanjjhis are native to this soil, uski mehak kucch aur hai” Vijay’s traditional sanjhi’s are:

“Radhe Krisha – Ras lila Paper cut Rangoli “

“Kesh Lila “

“ Sanjhi – Yamuna Ji” “Sanjhi – Vishnu Laxmi ji”

In fact, now Sanjhi art form again becoming popular and has found new place in Commonwealth Games, New Delhi , 2010. The pictograms for all the 17 sporting segments of Commonwealth Games have been inspired by Sanjhi art. Bangalore-based design agency, Idiom has created these pictograms:

My post on Sanjhi would be incomplete if I do not mention about Shri Prabal Pramanik. He is a distinguished artist from Bhamlada – Punjab, India specializes in various facets of paper art. The passion for art brought him to Bhamlada leaving behind life of luxury and comfort . He is a versatile artist in many medias ,- paper cuttings, color works , poetry ,drawings and film making. He is also an author of number of books on art . Paper cutting art-works made by Prabal Pramanik are without any tracing , sketching and complete theme is made out of single sheet of paper. He has not only explored the Sanjhi art but also mastered the art through his own efforts thereby completely giving it modern look : An incredible style all his own. His love for paper cutting art has gone one step further, he has animated paper cuttings thereby making animation movies from them. He is the first person to use paper cuttings made without any drawing or tracing to make animation movie. His devotion and dedication has kept the dyeing paper cutting art of India alive in modern times and brought many laurels and accolades from all parts of the world. He is also running an academy in Bhimlada for the promotion of this art.

Sanjhi art incorporated into his work in different ways:

Gita Govinda

Buddha at Saranath with his five disciples setting the wheel of Dharma rotating

Mahishasuramardini Durga

Silhouette paper cutting – Ladies with birds

The artists at Banaras ghat

Some of the movies made by him in this unconventional aspect of paper cutting are :

The Enchanted Palace The cockroach and the lizardPREM SETU

Hari prema gagane chira raka

To know more about his paper cutting works , pls visit his site :papercuttingart

January 4, 2010

Goa is one place where I can go anytime of the year . An old Portuguese colony ( almost ruled by the colonial Portuguese for over 450yrs ) on the west coast of India , popularly known as the “Rome of the East” is one place to offer you what you can expect from a rejuvenating vacation- - superb sandy beaches, best of coastal climate , clear blue skies and blazing sunshine, immense history , fascinating and unique blend of Indian and Portuguese culture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Old Goa, Goan sea food and feni drink , Goan Carnivals – Colorful festivals , fun loving people , carefree lifestyle, Luxury retreats – What more can I ask??

If you are keen to know more about Goa and its culture , just check goacentral , a tourist information portal that has all the details you wish to know about Goa.

While looking out for new places in Goa , I found Four luxury boutique hotels overwhelmed with beauty. Their comfort and charm can leave anyone ecstatic , overjoyed and mesmerized . Now, I am longing for my next trip……….. to take refuge in my own slice of paradise….. Where do you want to be or would you like to come on a virtual tour with me to discover more ?????

Here we go ………………….

Siolim House - North Goa

If you want to experience the magnificence living of Portugal Colonial house , then Siolim House is the only choice . Situated in the village of Siolim in North Goa, Siolim house is three hundred and seventy five years old house once belonged to Governor of Macau . Presently owned by Varun Sood who bought this heritage house in 1996 , elegantly restored with utmost attention to its architecture, infused with the essence of a true Goan Palacio ,its 22 rooms were converted into 7 large suite accommodation. Siolim house is a non hotel home (As varun calls) , a perfect destination for someone seeking silence with grace and elegance . The best of food is offered with age old village recipes cooked by local aunties. Siolim House was a finalist for the 2001 UNESCO Asia pacific heritage awards for conservation.

Home away from home !!!!!Beautiful Inner CourtyardPool with massage table and tree house

View of Restaurant Living Room – wooden ceilingsThey have named every room after trading ports of the 17th century. (17th century in which Siolim House was built)

View of “ Surat Suite”View of Bahia SuiteClose up of Bahia SuiteView of Malabar suiteSunny and bright Cambay suite

Awesome Canopy four poster beds, attractive light hued walls to complement the antique furniture, minimalist décor , Rooms look bright and spacious, mother of pearl windowpanes, hope you did not miss out variety of lovely patterns of floor tiles used in every nook and corner of the house . What a fun it would be to walk barefoot on these floors ??

Isn’t this a relaxed , quiet heaven , a stunning place to unwind yourself ??

By the way our beautiful exploration of Siolim House does n’t end here… As they say “all great things come in small packages” Little Siolim is a scintillating and splendid surprise of a Siolim House. “Little Siolim” is another 3 fully air-conditioned bedrooms building situated as you enter the Siolim village. Little Siolim decor is based on the theme of Mangoes and coconuts and that is why the whole house is painted with yellow . Even the Pillars in the courtyard and pool are all made of coconut tree . Rooms are as lovely as Siolim house. Heavenly colors like Fuchsia, Orange, Red and yellow would brighten and lift up one's mood and spirit. Beautiful Sleigh beds, Antique and chic furniture made me stop and look again. The rich hues used in furnishing , blend flawlessly with simplistic decor and enhance the warmth of the rooms . The house also has an open kitchen fully equipped with all modern amenities for cooking .One can choose to cook oneself or can request for service of chef as desired.

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About Me

am product development consultant - Apparels. Worked with stores like Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Target Stores, Timberland, Next, Maurices, Rocawear etc;
I love anything that is inspired by India, it can be anything from arts, crafts , jewelry, textiles, furniture, home decor with a real Indian touch!!!!!. India undoubtedly has a great, rich cultural heritage where royalty of her Maharajahs and regalities of Maharanis (Queens) exhibit grandeur and matchless lifestyles.
This blog showcases the work of artisans, designers, art collectors not only from India but from other parts of the world, where India has been a perennial source of inspiration. Come and explore India and her eternal glory with me through marvelous and magnificent places , royal palaces, rural & urban lifestyle, luxurious hotels , Intricate Architecture, etc. All I can say whatever you would see here, you would always feel – oh yes it is very much Indian or Indian inspired !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!